Reach for the Stars

Beth Freschi can help you achieve your goals—or help you figure out what they are

Interview by Katie Dohman

Published: December 16, 2010

Beth Freschi is a life coach who also leads relaxation classes at Lauderdale Wellness Center and the James J. Hill house in St. Paul. She holds an MA in counseling psychology and has more than 15 years of experience in mental health, including inpatient psychiatry. Here is her take on possibility, change, and growth.

A coach rarely gives advice. As my dad says, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” I walk alongside the client and follow their wisdom.

I help people see what is possible. You close your eyes to possibilities when you are stressed out.

We talk a lot about intention—what do you want to happen? Just thinking about how to accomplish something is a powerful thing.

For most people, just feeling more focused and hopeful is enough to stay motivated and happy.

Talking through all your ideas with a coach that is completely focused on you means you free up your friendships for having fun.

These days, most of us don’t face life-or-death situations, but our bodies don’t know the difference. So you go into fight-or-flight even if you don’t need to. But if you regularly relax, you are more likely to use those tools when you really need them.

Deep breathing really works. It’s really that simple.

Coaching is a different animal than therapy. Some use coaching in conjunction with therapy, or some use it when they “graduate” from therapy. Some just use it. I’m a sounding board for people.

The most frequent argument I hear against relaxation is, “If I let go of my stress, I won’t get anything done.” You DO need an optimum amount of anxiety to get things done, but you can live an intense life and still calm your heart.